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I love dog beds. I truly do. Whenever I'm in a pet store, I will eventually find my way to a wall of dog beds. When I'm at Costco, I find myself trying to justify why we need another dog bed. And when I'm at home, I have to listen to my better half tell me that we have too many dog beds.
There was a time when we had fifteen dog beds in the house; today, it's down to six dog beds – most of them are from Costco and my favorite ones are from Big Barker.
Yes, I know it's ridiculous to have so many beds, but the dogs (yes, we only have four) use all of them. That is, when they're not chilling on the furniture.
Why a Good Dog Bed is Important
When I'm shopping for a dog bed, my first priority is comfort and support. Rodrigo has arthritis in his front elbows and along his spine. He's now truly a senior dog and slowing down, but there are days when he tries to keep up with Apollo (our youngest and I know that he's going to feel that effort later. So having comfortable dog beds for him to rest on serves to support his joints, reduce pain, and help him rest comfortably.
Once that requirement is met, I need a dog bed that…
- is a good size for our dogs
- is easy to clean
Introducing Big Barker Dog Beds!!!
Big Barker dog beds are orthopedic dog beds that offer, in my opinion, the best support for dogs with joint pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. A study by Penn State showed that large dogs experienced less joint pain and improved mobility when resting/sleeping on Big Barker dog beds and I'm not surprised.
With proprietary, triple-layer foam support, dogs can rest comfortably without sinking to the floor. I can attest that these beds are soft, comfortable, and firm because I slept on them with Sydney during her last weeks before cancer took her away.
5 Reasons Why Big Barker Dog Beds Are Worth the Money
We've had Big Barker dog beds for close to four years. I received one in 2017 in exchange for my honest review and purchased a second the following year. I knew about Big Barker for years but didn't want to spend hundreds on a dog bed; I didn't think they were worth the price. I was wrong.
I wanted to write an update about the beds and share my experience with Sydney and our Big Barker dog beds, but I couldn't make it past the title. The idea of adding images of my girl was too heartbreaking until now. But I want to share how special these beds are to me in case someone is reading this who has a dog with mobility issues and is wondering, “Are Big Barker dog beds worth the money?”
1 – Big Barker Dog Beds are Comfortable
As I shared above, I slept on the dog beds many nights in Sydney's final weeks. We'd cuddle up together, and I'd sleep peacefully through the night with her. I live with a back injury, so sleeping low on the floor shouldn't be comfortable – it was with these beds. Sydney, who had mobility issues, could stand quickly and easily when she slept on one of her Big Barker beds.
2 – Big Barker Dog Beds Come with a Warranty
This is cool! Big Barker guarantees that their beds won't flatten out in 10 years. How many brands offer a 10-year warranty? Our dogs lay on our beds daily and are in the same condition they were when we received them. I can't imagine needing this warranty, but it's nice to have it just in case.
3 – Big Barker Dog Bed Covers Match the Decor
Our Big Barker beds are in the living room, which is decorated in earth tones and the beds look gorgeous in here. I love having four big dogs and I'd love more – I don't love having a house that looks like we have four big dogs. Big Barker dog beds blend well into our home and the company offers covers in various colors if we'd like to change it up.
4 – Big Barker's Large Dog Beds are HUGE
We purchased two extra-large dog beds, thinking that this was the size we needed (it's what we'd need if I purchased dog beds at the pet store). Nope! An extra-large dog bed has plenty of room for me and a dog or two. But the dogs mostly stretch out comfortably on their beds, and I love it.
5 – Big Barker Beds are Easy to Clean
We purchased a waterproof cover for both beds, which keeps the foam dry and clean. We vacuum the cover a couple of times a week, and I wash the beds every other month (or when needed). The covers are easy to clean; toss the cover in the wash. Our covers haven't changed in color over the years of usage and washing.
Plus, you can order a liner to protect the interior from wet dogs or accidents.
Would I Buy a Third Big Barker Bed?
In my dream of dreams, I'd replace the rest of the beds with Big Barker dog beds, but that's way too expensive for us. I think we'll invest in a third bed someday. My experience with Sydney showed me how important comfort is for our dogs, and I'd like to add a Big Barker bed in my office, where I work, and the dogs like to hang out. Although Sydney is no longer with us, we still have a senior dog with arthritis – Rodrigo. So I think I'll get a large dog bed for him.
If you've been looking at the Big Barker dog beds and wondering if you should make the investment, I say, “Go for it!” All of our dogs sleep on the beds, and I also find them comfortable. They were a great investment for us.
Hi SonJa – it’s a thick memory foam type cushion. There are three layers (all attached).
I just checked out the Big Barker Bed website. They look like they are as good as you state! I was wondering, when you remove the cover, what do you see? I mean, what is the surface of the inner material made from? Once all the coverings are removed, what type of fabric remains?
For years, I have used baby crib mattresses for my dogs beds. It is easy to find sheets and mattress pads, but the best part is…the outermost shell of them is vinyl, which means they do not absorb any type of odor and they wipe down cleanly with a cloth and a white vinegar/essential oil solution (or just warm soapy water if preferred).
My biggest issue with BIG dog beds is the washability, but with a baby crib mattress…it is just soooooo easy to keep clean. Regular big dog beds, even in an XL front loader is just NEVER easy. Even if it fits, the spin cycle is always a nightmare due to distribution. I have never had good luck maintaining a huge dog bed over the long term. Dog dander seeps through covers and eventually invades the insides.
And, as you did with Sydney, I have spent my fair share of nights on those crib mattresses…hemagiosarcoma, healing from cancerous jaw resection (TWO different dogs) and, those last nights when you know the end is ever present). They are supportive for sure.
I just wondered if you could let us know what the insides are like once the covers are removed?